What is the Public Generating Pool?

The Public Generating Pool (PGP) was formed in 1975 as an unincorporated association operating as a joint venture. The PGP is composed of ten consumer-owned electric utilities, nine in Washington and one in Oregon, that work together on issues of common interest. All ten members own or purchase non-federal generating resources: 4,561 MW of renewable hydro generation, 441 MW of renewable wind generation, 18 MW of renewable landfill gas generation, 29 MW of other renewable generation, 248 MW of gas generation and 90 MW of other generation. Eight PGP members also purchase 34 percent of the requirements power sold by the Bonneville Power Administration.

The PGP members have a large presence in the Pacific Northwest. PGP utilities serve approximately 925,000 customers in Washington and Oregon and have retail sales totaling around 30 million MWh or 3,400 MWa. Among publicly-owned utilities, the PGP member utilities are among the largest in the nation. The membership has expertise in all aspects of integrated electric utility operations and they are active participants in west coast wholesale power markets. Three members also operate Balance Authority Areas. As a group, the PGP members bring a unique perspective and level of understanding to regional and national energy issues.